Many Americans of a certain age group learned patriotic songs in school as a way to promote pride in their country.

As the nation celebrates its 232nd birthday, school administrators say today's schoolchildren are taught the same standards as their predecessors.

In Columbia County, former curriculum director Phyllis Means said songs such as America The Beautiful, Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America are incorporated into a Character Development program that teaches children in grades K-5 about the essentials of citizenship, respect for others and patriotism.

"It's a part of our curriculum -- a part of them learning why we celebrate the freedoms that others have worked for," Mrs. Means said.

She feels strongly that the area's large military population affects the school district's approach to patriotic music.

"Here, we probably address it more because of that," said Mrs. Means, who retired last month after 40 years as an educator.

Dr. Penny Johnson, the curriculum coordinator for fine arts, foreign languages and social studies in Richmond County, says it's imperative that pupils learn patriotic tunes from day one.

"By the time they reach kindergarten or first grade, they've been introduced to the Star-Spangled Banner, " she said. "(Patriotism) is still relevant."

She said pupils are also taught what to do when the national anthem is played.

"We teach them to stand and take their hats off -- especially when they're at sporting events," she said.

Cassandra Rogers, who teaches at both Diamond Lakes and Joseph R. Lamar elementary schools in Richmond County, fondly recalls her school days in suburban Chicago when she learned several patriotic standards. Fortunately, she said, her pupils do not consider those standards as old-school, or outdated.

"My younger students are often very excited when it's time to learn about the classics," she said.

In Aiken County, patriotism also lives through melody.

Joe Laorenza, 60, heads Aiken County schools' Gateway program for talented and gifted pupils. He said the majority of schools in his district teach patriotic songs, but he believes more could be done musically to spur patriotism.

"Not enough people are exposing the kids to (patriotic songs) and when they do, it's usually (only) for Veterans Day or Memorial Day," said the former Aiken High School band director.